The conference room buzzed with quiet focus as Steve outlined the next steps of the mission. Everyone was taking notes, scanning maps, everyone except Bucky.

His eyes hadn’t left you since you walked in. The weight of his stare burned hotter than the projector light across the table.

You finally broke. “For God’s sake, Barnes, stop looking at me like that.”

Bucky’s lips curved into a slow, unapologetic smirk. “Like what, doll? Like I can’t stop thinking about you… even in the middle of a briefing?”

The air in the room snapped tight.

Natasha glanced up, brows raised in quiet amusement. Sam bit back a laugh. Bruce looked scandalized, fumbling with his pen.

“Did he just say what I think he said?” Tony asked, eyes wide.

Steve sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “Buck…”

But Bucky didn’t flinch. He leaned forward slightly, voice dropping lower, eyes locked on yours. “I mean it. I’m done pretending I don’t want you.”